Man held on rape charge

A 28-YEAR-OLD Phoenix man was arrested at the weekend for the alleged rape of his 11-year-old cousin seven months ago.

According to security company KZN VIP boss Glen Naidoo, the child had been staying with her paternal grandparents in December, when the rape was alleged to have taken place, while her parents were at work.

“The suspect was positively identified after the mother began noticing changes in her behaviour, mood swings, and she had no appetite. When her mother investigated and decided to take her for a medical check-up, it was found that the child was in fact raped,” said Naidoo.

Community members, who somehow discovered what had happened, assaulted the man, who is engaged to be married, and flipped his VW Polo car onto its roof on Saturday.

Police confirmed the arrest and the interaction between the man and the girl.

“The suspect, who is a firsttime offender, was charged with rape at Phoenix SAPS. He appeared at the Verulam Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in police custody pending his next court appearance,” said Phoenix SAPS communication officer Captain Louise Naidoo.

Democratic Liberal Party head Patrick Pillay described the alleged rape as shocking.

“The community is angry and wants justice to be done. The court must lock him up and throw away the keys,” he said.

Pillay said children must be protected at all costs. “As a community, we must unite against these vile acts of indecency and immorality so that our children can live in a safe and secure environment.”